Anxious about upcoming afib ablation

[DeltaDawn23]

Just wondering if anyone who has good luck with an afib ablation might share their experience.  I know a lot of posts on here are about problems that people are seeking answers for.  I'm in a tight spot and have been in the hospital 4 times in the last 4 months and had 3 cardioversions. I am now on amiodarone and have had one episode of afib on it.  I am told it is not a drug for the long-term.

I am scheduled to have the ablation in mid January at the U of M Medical Center.  Cleveland Clinic was my first choice for the procedure, but logistics and family illness make that extremely difficult if not impossible at the present time.  As the date draws nearer, I am second-guessing my decision.  Should I try more drugs?   I just turned 69, have had afib for nearly 12 years, but it has gone from episodes that go back to normal on their own to persistent afib in the last 4 years.  I don't want to miss the chance to get rid of it, or at least have fewer episodes.  This doctor claims 85% cure rate without meds, sometimes requiring 2 or 3 ablations to achieve that.

Any success stories, uplifting thoughts or just some moral support?  I'll probably go ahead with it, but want to feel at peace and like I'm doing the right thing.  Thanks.  

[DeltaDawn23]

Jerry -- Thanks for the pep talk -- I needed that!  The doctor who will do the procedure has been at the University of Michigan Medical Center 18 years and does 200 of these procedures a year.  My family has had very good treatment at this facility and people come from all over to be treated here.  Plus, as my family doctor said, "we know he is good because he works at U of M."  They also have a brand new state of the art cardiovascular center that is very impressive. I will focus on the positive aspects of this and since no one can predict the future, will imagine a good outcome.  At any rate, going and getting cardioverted so much cannot be good for my heart.  Thanks again for your prayers and good wishes. DD

[Jerry_NJ]

Good luck, I'd go for an ablation in a  "minute" if a doctor gave me over 80% chanced of success.  Unfortunately, for me the my regular cardiologist and a consulting EP both said it was unlikely I'd get good results from an ablation...and my HR is well controlled with beta blockers.    I was about your age when that discussion took place following my open heart surgery and maize procedure and mitral valve repair.  

You in my thoughts and prays for a successful ablation.  I also believe one can get expert heart work done in many if not most heart centers.. Cleveland Clinic is just one of them.

[DeltaDawn23]

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience.  I also had a retired surgical nurse who worked at the hospital I'm going to tell me she wouldn't hesitate.  I am happy to have all the positive reinforcement I can gather.  Glad to hear it worked for you -- hopefully I will have as good a result.  No one has said anything about going home on a heart monitor, or what meds I might be on, saying each individual case is different.  It does seem after such a procedure that just staying overnight and going home to be on your own is pretty scary.  I will be sure and ask the nurse later on this month when he calls to discuss what meds to discontinue.  Thanks again for replying and for your good wishes.

[twinbee]

I am so happy with the outcome of my ablation for a-fib and a-flutter. I had my procedure done in January 2008 and have been in NSR ever since!! My ablation was done at Univ of Penn hospital. My doctor also told me that it may take up to 3 ablations to "cure" my a-fib. Thankfully I only needed the one. My procedure took about 8 hours. My groin and chest were sore for a couple of days. I honestly feel the worst part of the procedure for me was the back pain I had from  having to lay flat for so long. My doctors sent me home from the hospital with a 30 heart monitor and they kept me on meds (sotalol & coumadin). About 6 months post ablation they took me totally off the sotalol and at my year anniversay I was taken off the coumadin. Now I am medication free except for a daily aspirin. If I had to do it all over again I would not hesitate. Like you, my a-fib turned persistent and that is when we decided it was time for the ablation. Good Luck! Wishing you well and wishing you enough...